In 2014, Ramharakh was diagnosed with jaundice, and both his kidneys failed. He underwent organ transplantation and took time to adapt to his new lifestyle. He felt disappointed with his life but then found inspiration in his senior’s encouraging words. He participated in 12th National Transplant Games and won a silver medal.
Lucknow: Ramharakh’s story serves as a source of inspiration for people who suffer from physical disabilities or have undergone organ transplant surgeries. Ramharakh has only one kidney and doctors usually prescribe to patients like him to not get involved in extreme physical exercises. But he had always dreamt of becoming an athlete, and no physical shortcoming could ever stop him from achieving his dream. Ramharakh won a silver medal in the 12th National Transplant Games for Uttar Pradesh.
Ramharakh’s background
Ramharakh was a bright and energetic individual in his earlier years. Things went downhill for him, when in the year 2014, he was diagnosed with jaundice. His condition became severe, and both his kidneys failed. The entire situation was seriously concerning for the family.
Ramharakh’s mother decided to save her son’s life by donating her one kidney to him. Ramharakh’s started to recuperate but it took him some time to adapt to his new lifestyle. He had been advised to stay away from sports, but his restless heart brought him back to the fields. He became an athlete from the organ transplant category.
Advice from the doctors
A sum of Rs 13.5 lakh was spent on Ramharakh’s kidney transplant surgery. That was a depressing phase in his life. His condition prevented him from doing what he liked most. He could not run; he could not jump all over the place to express his excitement. The dreariness of his new life was extremely discouraging.
At that time, a senior player understood Ramharakh’s situation and showed him the way to happiness. He informed Ramharakh about the organ transplant category in sports. The realization that he could still be his original self while doing what he loves, filled him with delight and enthusiasm. He instantly became eager to become a transplant athlete. He sought advice from his doctors, and they encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Working as a peon
Ramharakh’s father works as a farmer. There was not enough money, due to which he could not even complete his schooling. In 2010, he got a job as a peon in a stadium located in Gomtinagar, Lucknow. He was earning Rs 5000 in a month but that was not a huge concern for him. Most importantly, his job at the stadium allowed him the do his own practice.
Participating in tournaments
Before the pandemic, Ramharakh won a silver medal in the 100-metre race in the 12th National Transplant Games held in Mumbai. He made a record by winning a silver medal in his category from the state of Uttar Pradesh. After that win, he was supposed to play at Asia level tournament in Thailand, but just then, the countries announced lockdowns and the event was postponed for future dates. Today, Ramharakh continues to participate in tournaments while also undergoing dialysis.
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